A tiny cactus, it may reach a maximum size of 55 millimeters tall by 30 mm wide.

[5] It is endemic to San Juan County, New Mexico in the United States,[4] where there is a single population on a patch of territory measuring about 12 acres (49,000 m2).

[4] Its habitat is pinyon-juniper woodland and sagebrush with loamy, gravelly alluvial soils.

[4] Other threats include off-road vehicle use and development near the population, as well as petroleum exploration activities (which are common in the area), livestock grazing, and drought.

Additionally, rodents (especially deer mice) eagerly consume the fruits, causing seed production to be low.